Wall/Counter Mount or loose one

Soeren · Apr 21, 2009

Hi Guys
Finally I can see a Darkroom emerging in a shed we are (re)building. So I started my darkroom design on the drawing board.

My trouble is I have a room 260cm long and perhaps only 140 wide and I have three enlargers. Omega D3 with a baseboard measuring around 90X60cm (actually a little less but anyway) a Durst 707AC with a baseboard measuring 32cm in width and a Meopta Axomat, 42cm.

I plan to use my D3 for 4X5" to 6X9 cm, the durst for 6X7 and 6X6 and the Axomat for 24X36 only.

Getting the right Neg carriers for the Omega could make the Durst obsolete or getting the Siriutub 35 for the Durst could make the Axomat not needed.

The thing is the Axomat is a condenser enlarger, simple and actually quite good whereas the Durst and Omega are both fitted with dichroic heads (different types)

I could fit the Axomat and Omega on wall mounts or counter mounts and save some space. What would you do?
Best regards

Rick A · Apr 21, 2009

Go with a wall mount, and make the counter below the enlarger adjustable for height. Make it wide enough to handle the largest print you might make, then add some extra. Enjoy your new "home"
Rick

ic-racer · Apr 22, 2009

The only reason I did not wall mount one of my Omega 4x5s is that I used standard kitchen countertops and cabinets. If I were making my own countertop I'd do what rainphot suggested.

RJS · Apr 22, 2009

You have an embarasment of riches!

Soeren · Apr 27, 2009

RJS said:
You have an embarasment of riches!

Meaning what?
Well being given enlargers for free all the time its hard not to end up with just a few. The only one of the current ones I actually paid for is the Omega.
So....?
Best regards

Soeren · Apr 27, 2009

Using 1 yes One enlarger for all formats 35mm - LF?

Does any of you guys use only one enlarger for all formats from 35mm to 4X5"?
with an Omega? How good is the Omega D3 for such a job (35mm).
Im having my trouble with the Darkroom design and may end up with only one enlarger even though I would hate to give up the Durst 707AC. Is that wise or will 35mm work be a PITA on the Omega?
Best regards

Monophoto · Apr 27, 2009

I use an Omega DII for 35, 6x6 and 4x5. Just change out condensers and lenses as needed. Don't do that much MF, or for that matter 35mm anymore, so it usually stays set up for 4x5.

I wall mounted my DII. When I first got, I was in the old place where the darkroom had a drop-shelf arrangement below the enlarger to permit greater enlargements. It was a simple matter to install the DII in place of the Durst F60 (that it replaced).

When we moved to the new place I had to build a new darkroom, and opted to put the enlarger in a corner rather than up against a flat wall. I was able to provide enough headroom to avoid needing to do a drop shelf. But I had learned in the first installation that the DII tends to wobble a bit, so I arranged to brace the top of the column to the walls.

Rick A · Apr 27, 2009

Currantly we have three Omega enlargers two for 35mm-one for my wife and daughter, one for self. We have a dedicated 6x6 that I use. We are moving into a new darkroom soon, and I will be searching for a 4x5. Of course, that means I'll have to get a camera to go with it.
Rick

Soeren · Apr 28, 2009

Monophoto said:
I use an Omega DII for 35, 6x6 and 4x5. Just change out condensers and lenses as needed. Don't do that much MF, or for that matter 35mm anymore, so it usually stays set up for 4x5.

I wall mounted my DII. When I first got, I was in the old place where the darkroom had a drop-shelf arrangement below the enlarger to permit greater enlargements. It was a simple matter to install the DII in place of the Durst F60 (that it replaced).

When we moved to the new place I had to build a new darkroom, and opted to put the enlarger in a corner rather than up against a flat wall. I was able to provide enough headroom to avoid needing to do a drop shelf. But I had learned in the first installation that the DII tends to wobble a bit, so I arranged to brace the top of the column to the walls.

Whoops. Forgot to mention that my Omega is fitted with a colorhead.
Best regards

fotch · Apr 29, 2009

Unless your darkroom is very large, it makes more sense to use one good enlarger and get rid of or store the rest. I use a Beseler 45 for 35mm through 4x5, usually use a Color head, but also have a cold light head and a condenser head.

I have it mounted to a stand that allows additional movement of the baseboard up or down. I would think the wall mount would be fine if the wall is extra sturdy, concrete, or 2x6. Otherwise any movement of the wall (wind) will be a problem.

JMHO

Soeren · Apr 30, 2009

Yes I figure wind will proof to be a problem. The shed is made of wood and not that thich dimensions so just a little wibration may occur "Printing prosponed due to bad weather" The enlarger will stand 70cm off the floor on some sort of table I have yet to construct. I was thinking plates of light concrete clued together. The Omega will probably be the one. I have a 50mm, 80mm and a 100mm on their respective lensmounts so I'll need a 135 + mount and track. I have negcarriers for 35mm 6X9cm and 4X5" and I figure I'll make some masks for 6X6 and 6X7.
Best regards

Wall/Counter Mount or loose one

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency